Aryna Sabalenka comes up clutch for Team Kites at World Tennis League, seals Super Shootout Tiebreak over Elena Rybakina
Other
Aryna Sabalenka anchored Team Kites to the top of the table in the World Tennis League on the opening day and it is the World Number Two again who has provided the antidote, this time in downing The Falcons with Elena Rybakina wondering what could've been after losing a winning position against the World Number Two.
It was a 33-30 win for Team Kites as Sabalenka and co continued from their opening win against Team Eagles who will face Team Hawks shortly in the second battle of the day. Team Kites now move onto 2-0 albeit Team Falcons are now in second due to points accrued over victories as is the quirk of World Tennis League action.
Falcons dominate doubles but come unstuck in singles action
In the first three matches, doubles were the name of the game and Team Falcons got an early lead dominating proceedings. In Match One, Sorana Cirstea and Elena Rybakina (Falcons) defeated Paula Badosa and Aryna Sabalenka (Kites) narrowly 7-6 (2) and it was the exact same mirroring scoreline for Taylor Fritz and Sumit Nagal (Falcons) in the Men's Doubles that followed as they took down Grigor Dimitrov and Lloyd Harris (Kites).
Harris interestingly was a late replacement as Stefanos Tsitsipas who last month could barely get out of bed due to injury troubles seemingly couldn't play and was instead sat on the bench as the South African was the late stand-in. This was also the case for the mixed doubles as Tsitsidosa was only a one day thing on the court as Harris teamed with Badosa for Kites in a losing effort to Falcons duo Sorana Cirstea and Taylor Fritz.
But this is where it came unstuck for Falcons as they lost technically three singles matches in a row including the super shootout tie-break in order to spurn the tie. Fritz (Falcons) who lost easily yesterday to Casper Ruud in his singles tie was eased past by Dimitrov 6-3.
Rybakina spurns big opportunity as Sabalenka takes full advantage
Before the big tie as Aryna Sabalenka saw off Elena Rybakina. Sabalenka for Kites came back from 5-2 down as Rybakina lost 7-6 in the end to set up the tie-break. The World Number Two levelled the match at 30-30 and a super shootout was prepared to decide the winning team. After saying she was rubbish at dancing before the 50 Cent concert yesterday, she showed off her moves on court as she won the tie-break 10-6 to secure the win for her team. What could've been for Rybakina's Falcons and Sabalenka's Kites continue to move on.
Results - Kites def. Falcons 33-30
Sorana Cirstea/Elena Rybakina (Falcons) 7-6(2) Paula Badosa/Aryna Sabalenka (Kites)
Taylor Fritz/Sumit Nagal (Falcons) 7-6(2) Grigor Dimitrov/Lloyd Harris (Kites)
Sorana Cirstea/Taylor Fritz (Falcons) 7-5 Paula Badosa/Lloyd Harris (Kites)
Taylor Fritz (Falcons) 3-6 Grigor Dimitrov (Kites)
Elena Rybakina (Falcons) 6-7 (5) Aryna Sabalenka (Kites)
Elena Rybakina (Falcons) 0-1 (6-10) Aryna Sabalenka (Kites)
Super shootout winning bonus adds 0-2 to Kites scoreline meaning 30-33 win
Samuel GillEditor-in-Chief
Samuel Gill is the Chief Content Officer (CCO) of TennisUpToDate.com, a role he has held since 2020. He is responsible for editorial governance across the platform, including setting content standards, overseeing accuracy and consistency, and guiding long-term editorial strategy. Since joining, he has contributed more than 10,000 articles and editorial pieces across the TennisUpToDate network, playing a central role in the daily operation and development of the site.
Based in Leicester, Samuel has a broad background in tennis media. In his current role, he works closely with editors and writers to ensure coverage meets clear journalistic standards, with particular attention to verification, consistency, and timely updates when new information becomes available.
claps 1visitors 1
Just In
Popular News
Latest Comments
- Either Lena has a chronic internal ailment (i.e., colitis, enteritis, Crohn's, or some type of lower abdomen issue) -- or she is once again dealing with 'Vukovitis'. Mental stress can indeed cause lower body pains. No matter... whatever is truly going on sucks. "Virus" excuse is getting a bit old -- and often -- at this point.
mandoist09-11-2026 - Ironically, Martina became a U.S. Citizen about the same time as the Orange Convicted Felon & Abuser was just beginning on his road to losing all Daddy's Millions!!mandoist09-11-2026
- "Another fresh start is in the cards." Thanks for the Humor!! I'm guessing this is the minimum one can do to keep all your sponsors hanging-on in perpetuity?mandoist09-11-2026
- Vukov is doing this to Lena... AGAIN!!!!! WTA's autonomous collective should be dismantled for allowing Vukov to re-emerge from his hand-slapping suspension. Just ask WTA employees how that's been going lately as they witness his continued verbal abuses. Women's Pro Tennis should start over.mandoist08-11-2026
- Can't help but suspect Vukov is back to his old self again. Thank you, WTA. Perhaps you can give them a "Battling Couple of the Year Award 2026" ??mandoist08-11-2026
- Wtf? Why is there no reason? And what about the men's?Bel08-11-2026
- One step by another step -- WTA continues to 'lose the plot'. Too many hi-tech microphones being installed at most venues!!! Remove them (especially those along the hallways, sidewalks, and pathways throughout the venues. Not to mention (most of all) remove the mic's from the Players/Coaches Box.mandoist06-11-2026
- Enough of her bullshit. Go marry someone.mandoist06-11-2026
- Don't you just love this young lady!? We fans often expect athletes to be supermen and superwomen, often forgetting that they WILL GET TIRED! I love Alex's perspective. Tiredness for an athlete should never be viewed as a negative, especially if you are healthy, taking care of your body and mental health and putting in the work. What a mature perspective. Good for you, Alex!Rapunzel05-11-2026
- Jess is absolutely correct! But the disrespect is a trait I have noticed in most of the Russian players. Mirra is good but very immature and lacks humility. Conceivable needs to get a handle on that!Rapunzel05-11-2026
